Up the swanny

stefanj

I was made redundant last year & up to the end of March, I was in reciept of Job Seekers Benefit.

When the entitlement ran out, I was means tested, but as my wife was earning a few cent over the limit of the weekly means, my payments were stopped & since then, I've had no money from the social welfare (despite having paid PRSI for the last 25 years).

Anyhow, since then, my wife & I have split up due to personal issues & money problems. I've moved in with a friend for the time being, but have absolutely no income, very little chance of finding a job (and I look on a daily basis).

I would love to move into a flat to get out of my mate's hair, but I can't afford to even pay towards the food he so kindly gives me.

Can I go back to the welfare for help, or am I completely up the swanny?

Reginald P. DuM

Nasty predicament OP, it must be tough.

I'd recommend going to your local health board, their job is to prevent people from falling through the cracks. I have no doubt you have some entitlements. Legally because your wife is working and your not, she is responsible for helping you, though I understand this is not an ideal situation, but you need some form of income. Also first thing tomorrow head into the Citizens Advice Bureau. They'll point you in the right direction. Best of luck.

stefanj

Thanks for the advice.

GER12

stefanj wrote: »

I was made redundant last year & up to the end of March, I was in reciept of Job Seekers Benefit.

When the entitlement ran out, I was means tested, but as my wife was earning a few cent over the limit of the weekly means, my payments were stopped & since then, I've had no money from the social welfare (despite having paid PRSI for the last 25 years).

Anyhow, since then, my wife & I have split up due to personal issues & money problems. I've moved in with a friend for the time being, but have absolutely no income, very little chance of finding a job (and I look on a daily basis).

I would love to move into a flat to get out of my mate's hair, but I can't afford to even pay towards the food he so kindly gives me.


Now that your jobseekers benefit has run out - you should be entitled to jobseekers allowance - but because you were living with your partner the cohabitation rule kicked in where the income that was assessed was household. Your circumstances are not essentially up the swanny as you put it - firstly you can put in an appeal for DA as your circumstances have changed - There is also the issue of family income supplement which your former wife may be entitled to if her income from employment is below a certain threshold. You can put in a claim for supplementary welfare allowance which is essentially an emergency payment that is paid by the HSE while the DSFA process your JA claim... this monies would be deducted from the jobseekers you received. You may qualify for rent allowance but time periods have changed for qualification. I'd suggest that you drop into or contact citizens information they'd be able to provide detailed advice on your exact rights and entitlements as you may be entitled to a full general medical card or gp only visit card (application forms can be got from Citizens Information). Otherwise you can get Drug Payment Scheme card for your children so your wife and yourself never pay's over €100 per month for meds. I would also recommed talking to MABS - its important to draw on all the resources that you can in times like this.

Xiney

Also contact the Simon Community and/or Focus Ireland, as you are effectively homeless right now. They should be able to help sort you out.